During Bold Alligator 2012, the BAC1-11 is being configured with the
F-35's AN/APG-81 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and
the AN/AAQ-37 infrared distributed aperture system (DAS). Systems will
operate with future software blocks undergoing test as well as those
delivered in current F-35 jets.

Bold Alligator is a large-scale, multinational Navy-Marine Corps amphibious
exercise conducted by U.S. Fleet Forces and Marine Forces Command. It
will be the Atlantic Fleet's largest amphibious exercise in 10 years.
The 2012 exercise is centralizing planning and execution of a brigade-sized
amphibious assault from a seabase in a medium threat environment. Following
a decade of ground war, this event is intended to revitalize, refine
and strengthen core amphibious competencies of the Navy and Marine Corps.

"With JSF being delivered to training commands in 2012, the Navy-Marine
Corps team is poised to start using our radar and DAS in an operational
context, much like U.S. Pacific Command did during Northern Edge 2011.
Northrop Grumman's commitment to deliver new capabilities to the war
fighter remains a priority. This exercise is another opportunity to
demonstrate operational utility to the fleet," said Jeff Leavitt,
Northrop Grumman's vice president of Combat Avionics Systems. "F-35
sensor capabilities are unprecedented. Their performance continues to
meet or exceed expectations."

The F-35 AN/APG-81 AESA radar and AN/AAQ-37 DAS have demonstrated exceptional
maturity well in advance of formal operational testing timelines. Participation
in Bold Alligator is integrating these advanced capabilities in the
maritime domain.

The AN/APG-81 AESA radar is a multifunction aperture capable of the
full range of air-to-air and air-to-surface functions complemented by
significant electronic warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
capabilities. The AN/AAQ-37 DAS provides passive spherical awareness
for the F-35, simultaneously detecting and tracking aircraft and missiles
in every direction, and providing visual imagery for day/night navigation
and targeting purposes. The F-35 JSF's role as an invaluable future
component of the Navy, Marine Corps and international defense team is
being demonstrated in all phases of amphibious operations as exercised
in Bold Alligator.